The laws in Florida regarding marijuana and cannabis are rather confusing. Technically, recreational marijuana is still illegal in Miami. While a lot of politicians promise that the drug will probably be legalized in the November elections, there are no guarantees. For now, if you want to purchase cannabis and marijuana in Miami, you need a medical marijuana card.
Just a few years ago, it was difficult to get your hands on a medical marijuana card. Unless you lived in California or Colorado, it was hard to get a doctor to approve you for a medical marijuana card. However, this has changed over the last few years, especially in Miami.
Recreational Marijuana and Cannabis are Still Illegal in Florida
Florida has not yet passed any state-wide laws legalizing marijuana. However, certain cities have gone in the direction of decriminalizing the drug. This can be confusing. Legalizing marijuana is not the same thing as decriminalizing marijuana. Legalizing marijuana means that people will be able to purchase and use marijuana for any purpose. In places where marijuana is legal, you can buy it in stores just like you’d buy cigarettes or alcohol. Decriminalizing marijuana is a bit different. When a city, like Miami, decriminalizes a drug, it simply means that they don’t arrest you for being caught with the drug. Instead of treating possession of a small amount of cannabis as a crime, the police issue you a $100 ticket instead.
What if You Can Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
If you’re lucky, you can get a medical marijuana card in Miami, Florida. In order to do this, you must follow these basic steps:
- Make an appointment with a pot doctor
- Prove that you have one of the approved conditions. In order to be approved for medicinal marijuana in Florida, you need to show that you have a qualifying condition. Under Amendment 2, which went into effect on January 3, 2017, you must demonstrate that you are suffering from a debilitating disease or condition. Some of the conditions that have qualified patients for a medical marijuana card include:
- HIV/AIDs
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- ALS
- MS
- PTSD
- Demonstrate that you have tried other treatments with no success.
If the doctor approved your card, you have to pay a small fee to the State of Florida. Once you receive your card, it’s good for 30 weeks. During this time, you are only able to buy 2.5 ounces of the cannabis flower per 35 days.
Is the Law Expected to Change Anytime Soon?
According to most experts, Florida will more than likely legalize marijuana in the November elections. There are several bills pending that will legalize, or at least decriminalize, cannabis. Given the extensive support of the legalization of marijuana, it’s fair to expect these laws to pass.
Studies in Florida show that 62% of all Florida residents are in support of the legalization of cannabis. The revenue from medicinal marijuana in Florida will have reached $2.5 billion by the year 2025. With this in mind, legalizing the drug makes financial sense. The amount of revenue the state will generate by legalizing recreational marijuana is tremendous.
Current City Ordinances in Miami
While legalization of marijuana is on the horizon in Florida, recently, the city of Miami Beach has gone in the other direction. While Miami treats possession of a minor amount of marijuana (less than 20 grams) as a minor civil offense, Miami Beach has recently passed legislation prohibiting the smoking of cannabis, weed and hemp in public places. As of October 2019, if you are caught smoking any of these substances on a public right of way, you will face a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Law enforcement promises, however, that their officers will use discretion.